It has been a busy few weeks while we have been in the process of moving.  So, today we took some time off to go sight seeing.  We decided about 3:00 to drive out to Eureka Springs.  It is about 30 miles from Rogers but takes about an hour to get there.

The exciting part about the drive was the winding roads through the mountains.  It is my nature to drive like a NASCAR driver, but I must admit I slowed down on Highway 62.  For a city boy, who has always lived in the flatlands, the sheer drop-off next to the road was a tad intimidating.  We made it to Eureka Springs and went to the Passion Play complex.  We didn’t see the Passion Play but we did get out to see the impressive statue of Jesus.  It towers high and is seen all around the mountain area.

Hannah looked up and said, “Look, Jesus!”.  As we stood looking up at the statue, I felt so small compared to this majestic artwork.  I couldn’t hep but think of how it will be in Heaven, gazing upon Jesus in His glory. 

After we left the Passion Play Complex we looked for a good restaurant.  We decided to eat at the Rowdy Beaver.  That’s right the Rowdy Beaver.  It was great, although the only rowdy beaver in the place was Hannah:)  I must say that I had the best hamburger I have ever eaten.  Homemade Angus Patties, grilled onions and mushrooms, homemade hand-cut fries.  It was a beautiful experience.

Altogether it was a great day off with the family.

Today was our second Sunday as pastor in Rogers.  We are still getting acclimated to the community, the church and ministry here.  It is interesting going to a new place.  It always stretches us and removes us from our comfort zone.  I believe that is what God wants in our lives, otherwise we will get comfortable and possibly stagnant.

I have been praying for direction for RFA.  Where do we go from here?  I shared this morning what the goal of our church must be: moving people into maturity in their walk with Christ.  The church is REQUIRED to disciple others.  This will be our focus in the years to come.  How are we going to do it?  I am not sure yet, I am seeking the Lord for His wisdom concerning how to build ministries that build people.

We had a good service this morning.  There was a great atmosphere during worship.  Our worship team did a fine job.  I shared from my heart this morning about the role of the pastor and the ministry of the church.  We had a good altar service with many coming forward for healing. We also had one young man rededicate his life to Jesus.  That is what is all about!

For months I have been waiting for the release of the ESV (English Standard Version) Study Bible.  After much anticipation, I finally have one in my hands.  This is possibly the most comprehensive study Bible I have seen.  It is filled with great study notes.  When I say study notes, I do not mean commentary, but rather a background of the text.  It has some commentary but there is a great deal of history and the background of the writing.  The ESV Version is fast becoming my favorite version of the Bible.  If you are looking for a good study Bible, consider the ESV Study Bible.  You will love it!

As a result of moving this week, Josh and I were away from home for four days.  I do not like to be away from home because I love spending time with Sonya and our family.  It seems that while I was gone Hannah missed me terribly.  There was an interesting habit she formed when I arrived back home.  She now calls me Danny.  It would bother me if she did not say my name with such love and affection.  I was unloading the truck and she was crying out for me, “I want my Danny.”  She came running down the hall, saying, “Where are you Danny?”

It is true that children are supposed to call there dads, “Daddy or at least Dad.”  But in our household she has laid hold of the name that everyone else calls me, “Danny”.  The truth is, I kind of like it this way.  It does my heart good to here her call me by my name.

This is similar to the our relationship with God.  I have always prayed to the Father in Heaven.  As a matter of fact, I address Him as Father.  This is what He means to me.  He is My Father!  There are other names that fit Him and that we can address Him by any time we pray.  He answers to more than just Dad or Father.  There are names throughout Scripture that define who God is.  Names that others have called Him throughout history and He has answered.

Jehovah-Jireh, our provider.
Jehovah-Rapha, our healer.
El-Shaddai, the all-sufficient one.
El-Elyon, the Most High God.
The Great Shepherd
Wonderful, Counselor
Prince of Peace and many more names.

He answers to the names that we call Him as long as it is done with love and affection.  Call out to Him, He answers to His name.

We arrived at Rogers this afternoon with our last load.  It is all unloaded and yet to be unpacked.  We are excited to be settling in and learning a new community.

Today, I had the privilege to vote!  Yes, I said privilege!  We live in a nation where we are allowed to pick our leaders.  Many say one vote does not count, but every vote does count.  It is our duty as Americans.  It is our responsibility as Christians to vote for the leaders of this nation.  For many years I have heard people complain about our country, but yet they have never voted in any election.  If you do not vote you have no right to complain. 

This article today is from the heart and mind of Danny Cheney.  I have never been this candid about an election.  I cannot say how I would vote from the pulpit because they say it is “illegal”, however, I am allowed to say it personally.  This is my personal blog!  It has no bearing on how anyone in my congregation feels.  These are my opinions, so here goes.

I voted Republican: MacCain/Palin.  No, I did not vote for Obama.  At the onset, let me say that I think Obama is an incredible motivator/communicator.  He is highly intelligent and could no doubt be a leader.  He is already a leader, but as a Christian I could not vote for Obama.  1.  He is for abortion.  He is a supporter of partial birth abortion which is especially inhumane.  I cannot vote for someone who supports these things.  2.  He is liberal.  He votes for the most liberal and immoral of causes.  3.  Obama is not a proven leader in foreign affairs.  Our nation is in serious condition.  McCain is not the perfect candidate by any means.  However, in this unstable world we live in, I believe we need a strong leader.  McCain will stand against terrorism and the threats that face our nation.  I have a hard time thinking about Obama actually believing we can negotiate with terrorists.  4.  Obama is inconsistent.  He wavers to much in what he stands for.  He is a gifted orator but is also a crowd pleaser.  We do not need a gifted communicator for a president (because McCain is not a gifted speaker)  but rather need someone who stands by their convictions and leads the nation.

Finally, if Obama wins the election, he will be my president.  I will uphold him in prayer and intercede for him as I did George Bush and Bill Clinton.  He will have my respect and I will not bash him, even if I do not agree with him.  I will pray for God to touch him and give him wisdom to lead our nation.  I would pray for him and respect him the same I would McCain. Why? Because God ultimately appoints our leaders.  The Bible says, “The heart of the king is in the Lord’s hands”.  We must pray that God would guide whoever leads our nation.

Whether you are Republican or Democrat we must value each others opinions and spend time praying for our nation and its leaders.  God bless America!